Quick and Easy Couscous & Bulgur: Perfect Summer Side Dish
Couscous is a finely ground pasta made from durum wheat or millet flour, while bulgur is coarsely cracked wheat grains. Both are prepared the same way — steamed or soaked in hot water — making them perfect as side dishes for saucy meals or fresh salads.
Though similar in texture and taste, bulgur tends to have a more intense, nutty flavor. Below is our favorite quick summer preparation using bulgur, ready in just 7 minutes with no stove needed (microwaved water works perfectly!).
Popular Recipes Using Bulgur or Couscous
- Couscous Salad with Vegetables (Tabbouleh)
- Side for Vegetable Stew (Ghiveci)
- Shawarma Wraps
- Side for Chicken Stew with Preserved Lemons & Olives
- Side for Almond Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup medium couscous (or fine bulgur)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or grape seed oil, walnut oil)
Instructions
- Place couscous or bulgur in a bowl. Add salt and mix well.
- Pour boiling water over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
- Add oil and fluff the grains gently with a fork for about 1 minute to separate them. Serve immediately.
Pro tip: Use walnut oil for serving simple bulgur or alongside fresh salads for its aromatic flavor. For dishes with sauces, olive oil or grape seed oil works best to complement the flavors.
💡 Tips
- Preheating water in the microwave saves time and energy during summer.
- Fluffing the grains with a fork ensures a light, fluffy texture without clumps.
- Bulgur’s nutty aroma pairs well with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices.
📝 Final Thoughts
Couscous and bulgur are versatile, nutritious, and incredibly quick to prepare, making them staples for light summer meals. Experiment with different oils and herbs to customize the flavor for your favorite dishes.